The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Lombardy Region (Italy) have signed a three-year framework cooperation agreement and a €330m loan in support of the regional economy and small and medium-sized enterprises.

The Framework Agreement, which is valid for the three-year period 2010-2012, sets out the arrangements for cooperation between the EIB and the Region and identifies the sectors that will benefit from EIB funding. It will mainly apply to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), infrastructure and the water sector.

The EIB credit line of €330m will enable the Region to finance its 2007-2013 Regional Development Programme. The funds will be provided for projects in a variety of sectors such as environmental protection, sustainable mobility and information technology. This first operation will be supplemented by a €200m loan for SMEs, which is currently being finalised.